The MolinaCares Accord presents $65,000 grant to Urban Alliance Foundation to support workforce development in under-resourced communities
In honor of National Workforce Development Month, The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Illinois (“Molina”), is announcing a $65,000 grant to support Urban Alliance’s High School Internship Program (HSIP). The program provides students with skills training, mentorship, and paid internships to help kids stay connected to school and prepare them for the workforce.
In Illinois, high attrition rates are found in pre-health care pathways, especially among underserved students who are less likely to complete training due to insufficient academic support. Through this grant, Molina and Urban Alliance aim to break down barriers for future health care professionals by connecting students interested in health care to HSIP’s Healthcare Exposure Pathway. This program, which includes industry-specific internships and career exposure activities, provides students with a competitive portfolio to launch a career in health care. Molina’s grant will support four interns on the Healthcare Exposure Pathways track.
“At Urban Alliance, we believe every young adult deserves the opportunity to thrive in an equitable workplace. With Molina’s generous investment, we can further expand our impact—cultivating a pipeline of diverse, skilled young professionals, especially in the health care field,” said Chrislin Flanagan, executive director at Urban Alliance. “This partnership not only deepens our commitment to early career exposure and professional growth but also reinforces Molina’s dedication to addressing systemic health disparities by uplifting youth from all backgrounds.”
“Health care professionals are vital to the health and well-being of communities across our state,” said Matt Wolf, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Illinois. “Through our partnership with Urban Alliance, our goal is to encourage more students to pursue a career in health care and build a stronger, more diverse workforce that better serves Illinois communities.”
To complement the workforce experience, this grant also supports the MolinaCares “Dress for Success Closet” initiative with Urban Alliance, which provides free professional clothes to students preparing for interviews. This initiative serves as a resource and a powerful symbol of empowerment, equipping Chicago youth with the confidence and essential tools necessary for workplace success.
